Haaland’s Double Fires Man City Past Bournemouth into Second
Manchester City delivered yet another statement performance at the Etihad, with Erling Haaland once again at the center of attention. The Norwegian striker scored twice in the first half, helping City secure a 3-1 win over Bournemouth and climb to second in the Premier League table. It was one of those nights when Haaland reminded everyone why he’s considered one of football’s most unstoppable forwards.
Just a couple of days earlier, Pep Guardiola had mentioned that he wanted Haaland’s teammates to share the goal-scoring load. But, as it turned out, the City manager’s main man needed little help in finding the net. Haaland’s brace took his Premier League tally to 13 goals this season, and an incredible 98 in just 107 top-flight appearances in England. The fans couldn’t help but laugh when he celebrated his first goal with a robotic dance — a cheeky response to those who often call him “robotic” on the pitch.
The opening stages were lively. Bournemouth’s Eli Junior Kroupi actually found the back of the net within the first minute, only to be ruled offside. It was a warning for City, but Haaland made sure it didn’t last long. In the 17th minute, Rayan Cherki headed the ball perfectly into Haaland’s path, and the striker raced beyond the high defensive line, slotting the ball past Djordje Petrovic for 1–0.
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However, City’s lead didn’t last long. Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma misjudged a corner, allowing Tyler Adams to poke the ball home for Bournemouth’s equalizer. The City defense looked stunned, and Donnarumma immediately appealed for a foul, but the goal stood. Bournemouth celebrated, but only briefly.
Just minutes later, Haaland struck again — another lightning counterattack, another clinical finish. Cherki provided the assist once more, floating a delicate pass over the defense. Haaland rounded Petrovic calmly and slotted into an empty net to restore City’s lead. It was ruthless, efficient, and classic Haaland.
In the second half, Bournemouth pushed hard. They weren’t content to sit back, testing City’s defense several times. But Pep Guardiola’s men stood firm, and Nico O’Reilly’s goal in the 73rd minute sealed the victory. The young full-back drove forward from the left and smashed home a low shot, ensuring the three points stayed in Manchester.
When Haaland was substituted late in the game, fans rose to give him a deserved ovation. Even he joked afterward that some Fantasy Premier League managers wouldn’t be too happy about it.
Guardiola praised his team’s control and clever pressing, though he admitted frustration over the goal they conceded. Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola, on the other hand, said his team played well despite the defeat — and had nothing but admiration for Haaland, calling him “amazing” and “super fast.”
With the win, Manchester City moved six points behind league leaders Arsenal. Bournemouth, who had been enjoying an eight-game unbeaten run, were finally halted. For City, it was business as usual — and for Haaland, just another day doing what he does best: scoring goals.
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